This newspaper makes the following recommendations for the Oct. 22 ballot.

St. Bernard Parish

Parish President

Craig Taffaro

Mr. Taffaro, who won the office four years ago, has spearheaded the push to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. He has championed the parish and forged an effective working relationship with the federal and state governments on recovery projects. We hope that in a new term Mr. Taffaro will stop the parish's ill-advised and divisive legal fight over multi-family housing.

Sheriff

James Pohlmann

As chief deputy, Mr. Pohlmann essentially oversees the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff's Office. A 28-year veteran of the department, he has worked his way through the ranks and has extensive training in law enforcement. Mr. Pohlmann says he will continue many of the programs that have contributed to the parish's low crime rate, while also employing new ones aimed at safeguarding vulnerable citizens and increasing community interaction with the department.

Assessor

No recommendation

Parish Council

At-Large, East

Fred Everhardt

Mr. Everhardt, who currently represents the council's District E, has been an advocate for coastal restoration and is a strong voice for the fishing community, particularly in regards to the BP oil spill. He is a good choice for the at-large post, which represents the entire parish.

At-Large, West

George Cavignac

Mr. Cavignac, who currently represents the council's District B, has been a hard-working, accessible legislator who researches the issues and will be effective in the larger, district-wide post. His opponent in the race, Earl Dauterive III, a long-time member of the Planning Commission, also merits consideration.

District A

Ray Lauga Jr.

Mr. Lauga, who was elected to the post in 2007, has effectively pushed for district infrastructure improvements during his first term and merits re-election.

District B

Joseph Oster Jr.

Mr. Oster is a former member of the Planning Commission and is currently's Gov. Jindal's appointee to the parish Board of Election Supervisors. He is pushing a platform that focuses on his experience and his desire to continue to beautify Chalmette by planting and maintaining gardens.

District C

Howard Luna

Mr. Luna, who recently resigned his justice of the peace position, has been heavily involved in civic issues through his position as chairman of the parish's Parks and Parkways Commission and the Rediscover District C neighborhood group. He understands the district's needs and should be an effective representative.

District D

No recommendation

District E

No recommendation

CLERK OF COURT

Lena R. Torres

Ms. Torres, who has been clerk of court since 1988, runs an efficient office and has a long record of civic involvement in St. Bernard Parish.

Justice of the Peace, Ward G

Kenneth Henderson

Louisiana House of Representatives

103rd District

Chad Lauga

Mr. Lauga has a firm understanding of the issues facing the district, which is largely comprised of St. Bernard Parish. He has experience working with the Legislature as the political director for the New Orleans International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 130.